Full Scale Tests on the Discharge Characteristics, Drainage Characteristics and Fire Suppression Performance of Portable Compressed Air Foam System

The effect of air pressure on the expansion ratio of the foam was investigated with a range of parameters such as varied foam concentrate, hose lengths of 1-m to 3-m and pressure ranges of 2.42 bar to 5.52 bar. The foam characteristics at various operating conditions were determined. Discharge range tests and flow rate test indicated a linear progression with increasing pressure. Overall, all the tested foams met the requirements of the CAN/ULC-S508 standard. The drainage characteristics of foams, with and without thermal radiation, were investigated. The tested foams exhibited a similar drainage pattern, in terms of foam mass loss and temperature profiles of foams exposed to thermal radiation, at different drainage rates. However, the time to half mass loss decreased with increase in foam expansion ratio and heat flux. Lastly, the extinguishment capability of the portable system on pool fires and wood crib fires were investigated.